Herstory

I, I have never thought about be a missionary. If there is a one thing that I never wanted to be is a missionary. I am Esther Jieun Kim, the meaning of name is “Knowing grace of God”. I was born and grown up with a Christian background in a Methodist family. I am the youngest in my family so was quite rough and wild. I have graduated girl’s middle school and girl’s high school. The high school was Ewha girl’s high school which is a first women’s school in Korea established by Merry Scranton who is sent by UMC as a first woman missionary. And then graduated with bachelor’s of Christian education in MTU. My dream was to be a pastor of mission school like where I graduated. But when I visited Philippine for Asian young women leadership Training when I was in my last semester in University, I was struck by the issue of global justice and world peace. Right after I graduated I went to Canada to have time for myself. While I was in Canada I also participated in Global Justice Volunteer 2010 in Philippine for two month which is provided by Global Ministries. At that time, my conception of peace, justice and leader was becoming wider, deeper and more determined. Also my global issues expanded. When I came back to Canada after GJV, I applied Scranton Women’s Leadership Center in Korea as an intern. I have finished my interning at the end of June. And now I am ready to go Africa, Zambia working for gender justice and women’s development.

During my life, the appearance looks very stable and peaceful but personally it wasn’t. I had so many struggles and issues when I was teenager but I could overcome those at the time by the grace of God. Each experience and every emotion that I had is very meaningful and precious to me.

My focuses are always on Youth and Women. And I really love encouraging, empowering other by being with them. Flowing energy makes me filled with energy myself. So I want to contribute my talent and passion for peace and justice in the world. I definitely think that is my mission and vision. When I was called as a missionary I felt so heavy, responsibility, overwhelmed and bumbled. But mission is not just helping other physically and financially or spreading the gospel in undeveloped counties but also being with them. That is why mission is important and necessary in our world, in our society. So for us, as a Christian and disciples of Jesus, mission is our duty and responsibility not an option.

Honestly since I applied this program I had many kinds of struggles with myself and between GOD. Also I am still afraid and have many concerns on this.

I, I have never thought about be a missionary. If there is a one thing that I never wanted to be is a missionary.

Now I am standing on the totally new starting point. If there is a one thing that I am sure that is I am a missionary who is sent by global ministries, United Methodist Church.

I sincerely would like to request for prayers for the young adult missionaries who are working for the kingdom of God.

Thank you very much.